Changing careers after 50 can be intimidating. A new approach may be required. Kindle your reinvention with these high energy tips:
Embrace lifelong learning.. Seek the unexpected. Cultivate a curious mindset and READ. We live in a digital age. The sheer volume of information is fertile ground for learning about unique cultures, places, experiences and opportunities. Read constantly; articles, blogs, books, and blather. Your capacity to learn is as great as it ever was. Continue to stretch and grow by examining the world from a different perspective. If you are an interesting person, others will seek you out for all sorts of reasons. Which leads me to the second lesson.
Network like you mean it. Most people network when they are unemployed, or soon to be. They reach out with their self serving contact requests. Networking is being engaged with other human beings. Old school networking is transactional. New school networking is figuring out how you can collaborate and help the other person get where they are going. Take time to see how you can make a small difference in someone else’s life. It’s not about YOU, it’s about them. Learn the skill, you are never too old.
Hone your technical skills. If you are not e-relevant, no one will hire you. Take the time to learn about social media and how to brand yourself in the market. Computer skills? Mandatory! Buy a smart phone, learn to tweet and text. Stay current, stay engaged in technology!
Stride with confidence. Learn to sell yourself, your ideas and your solutions for your next adventure. Want to change fields or industries? Apply for the job and sell yourself to the hiring manager. Fear is a great motivator. By 50, you should be using fear to your advantage. Find solutions for a company, use your skills and talents to add value to the bottom line. Discover a nonprofit you believe in, and give it the energy and passion it requires. Will you stumble along the way? You can count on it. By now you are working on making a difference, not just a contribution.
Be an agent of change and get moving. Find your own true North.